Getting older comes with many changes, and one of the most important is retirement income. In New Zealand, people aged 65 and older can receive financial support from the government through NZ Superannuation. This pension helps older residents pay for their daily needs during retirement. It is not based on how much money or assets a person has, but it is taxable.
In 2025, the New Zealand government updated the NZ Superannuation rates. These changes were made to make sure older people can still afford living costs, especially with rising prices for food, housing, and medical care. The updates include new weekly payment amounts and a list of payment dates for the whole year. It’s important for seniors to check how much they can receive and when.
If you are about to turn 65, knowing how to apply for NZ Super is also important. The process is simple and can be done online or in person. In this guide, we explain everything in easy terms—from the new payment amounts to the steps for applying and even the tax rules. Let’s break it all down below.
Latest Updates to NZ Super in 2025
New Zealand Superannuation is a government-funded pension for people aged 65 or older who are legal residents. It gives regular payments to help them live comfortably. This pension is not affected by how much you earn or own, but it is taxed.
The government checks and changes the payment rates every year. They look at things like wage growth and inflation. For 2025, the rates have increased a little to help retirees with the cost of living. The amount you get depends on your living situation—for example, if you live alone, with a partner, or share with others.
Payment Schedule for 2025
NZ Super is paid every two weeks, usually on Tuesdays. If the date falls on a public holiday, the payment may come earlier.
Here are all the 2025 payment dates:
- January: 14, 28
- February: 11, 25
- March: 11, 25
- April: 8, 22
- May: 6, 20
- June: 3, 17
- July: 1, 15, 29
- August: 12, 26
- September: 9, 23
- October: 7, 21
- November: 4, 18
- December: 2, 16, 30
What Changed in 2025?
The government increased the NZ Super rates in 2025, though only by a small amount. This change was made to keep up with the rising prices of everyday items like groceries, rent, and healthcare.
Even with the increase, many retirees may still need other sources of income. Some people use KiwiSaver, personal savings, or part-time work to help cover their full costs of living. Still, the increase is helpful for many seniors.
How to Apply for NZ Superannuation
If you’re close to turning 65, you can apply for NZ Super up to 12 weeks before your birthday. The process is simple and can be done in two ways: online or in person.
Steps to apply:
- Go to the MyMSD website or visit a Work and Income service centre.
- Gather your documents (ID, residency proof, and bank account details).
- Fill out the form and submit your application.
- If approved, you’ll get your first payment within two weeks.
Understanding Tax on NZ Super Payments
NZ Super payments are treated as income, so you have to pay tax on them. The amount of tax depends on your tax code:
- Use the ‘M’ tax code if NZ Super is your only income.
- Use a secondary tax code if you have other income sources.
It’s important to choose the right tax code. If you’re not sure which one to use, talk to a tax advisor or contact Inland Revenue to avoid overpaying or owing tax later.